From out of the bushes steps a big black bear. He grunts a few times and then when he notices that you have been taking his meal, he lets out a loud bellow, which sends shivers down even the most seasoned of you.

Red is a bit surprised, and concerned that the bear didn't back off after his whistle. That's unusual. He tries to remain aware of his surroundings since something else might be at play here as his left hand begins inscribing several runes in the air which flicker with a bit of blue light that makes your eyes hurt when you look at them. He speaks in a clear voice, but the words don't mean anything and slip right out of your head, He then grabs a handful of that light and pushes it out towards the bear.

**Red is casting sleep on the bear.

**Red is trying to understand why his whistle didn't get the bear to back off? Is the bear ill? Are we in nursing season and this is a mother bear? Is this a particular species of bear that is aggressive enough that it would confront a relatively large pack of men?

Dayn quickly scans the bear to see if anything is wrong with it. She says, " I would prefer not to kill the bear if something is wrong with it, unless it is in a lot of pain, of course." She knocks an arrow into her bow and waits to see if the bear succumbs to the sleep spell. She also mentally has Ouwr stand ready to attack. Ouwr growls at the bear and then prepares to pounce.

Dayn"Look at the bear's eyes! They are glowing and seem to be pink in color. I know this bear; but not like this. She usually has to cubs with her. I hope they haven's been injured!' Please lets try not to hurt it!."

Red makes no sign he has heard Dayn, focused on ensuring that he completes the spell, and then hoping it's strong enough to end this confrontation.

But, a part of his mind wonders if whatever is wrong with this bear is connected to the Orcs. Has some form of virulent curse affected the Orcs and the wildlife? Worse, have the members of the caravan brought it unwittingly to Hogwood? The thought is more than a bit distressing.

Time seems to pause, as you all asses the situation. The bear then charges, running right at Red, who releases his spell.

The essence flows out around the bear, seems to grow stronger and then dissipates. The bear barrels through Red, who, having just finished his spell, barely (bearly?) has enough time to jump out of the bear's path. But, unfortunately he doesn't get out of the way fast enough, as the bear clips him and sends him sprawling to land at DaynT's feet.

The bear moves quickly considering its size and manages to get to the first body and takes a rather large bite out of the torso before most can react.

Seeing the bear charge finally unfreeze time, and the guards and Arc quickly cover the distance between them and the animal.